FAQ's for Ladakh

                                                                                                               FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR LADAKH

 

Q. When can I do a Leh Ladakh Road Trip?

A.The best time for a Ladakh road trip is from April onwards. The main reason is that all the motorable high passes that get closed in winter are accessible from thereon.

It also depends on the route that you’re taking to go to Leh. When it comes to the Manali- Leh route, it is roughly accessible for around 5 months. The best time to go to Leh via Manali would be from Mid April Late October. The passes open in early May sometimes. But, BRO only allows a few vehicles to pass through and it depends on the conditions of the roads.

If you’re traveling to Ladakh via Srinagar, then the best time would be from Late June to Mid October. BRO starts restoration work in early June and by the end of the month, they’re most accessible.

Q. How to reach Ladakh?

A. The best way to travel to Ladakh is by flight. Leh Airport is well-connected with major cities like Delhi, Jammu, Chandigarh, Srinagar, and many other places through direct and connecting flights. If you are traveling by road then there are two different routes leading to Ladakh – one from Srinagar and another from Manali. If you are traveling from Manali then you will cover the distance of 474 kilometers to Leh via Keylong with a night stopover. On the other hand, Srinagar to Leh will take you through Sonamarg, Drass, Kargil, Mulbekh, and Lamayuru. You will cover 434 km on this journey. All the roads remain open from May to October.

Q. What kind of stays do you provide during the trip?

A. Hotels in Leh, Manali, Kargil and Srinagar: Comfortable rooms with hot water and dining facilities.

Campsites in Pangong, Nubra, Tsomoriri, Jispa and Sarchu: Swiss tents with beds, blankets, and stunning views.

Homestays in remote areas like Hanle: Rustic accommodations with authentic Ladakhi culture.

Accommodations blend comfort and local charm to suit every traveler’s needs!

Q. Which motorcycles do you provide for the trip?

A. We provide Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 as part of the package. Himalayan 452 can be availed at an extra cost

Q. How is the road condition during the whole trip?

A. The road conditions during a Ladakh bike trip vary significantly and offer a mix of challenges and excitement:

Road Conditions Overview

Highways (Manali-Leh & Srinagar-Leh): Mostly well-paved, but expect sharp curves and steep climbs. Occasional rough patches and water crossings.

Mountain Passes (Khardung La, Chang La): Rugged and rocky with narrow, steep roads. Prone to snow and slippery conditions, especially early or late in the season.

Remote Areas (Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri): Mix of paved and gravel roads. Challenging terrains with occasional stream crossings.

Inner Routes: Some stretches can be heavily damaged, especially after rains. Adventure-worthy dirt roads in places.

Overall Experience: The roads are a blend of smooth highways and tough off-road trails, demanding caution and skill. However, the breathtaking views and unique terrain make it all worthwhile!

Q. What riding gears do I need for the Ladakh trip?

A. The Needed Riding gears are-

• Helmet: Full-face with good ventilation.

• Riding Jacket: Waterproof with armor for protection.

• Gloves: Full-finger, waterproof, and durable.

• Riding Pants: With knee and hip protection.

• Boots: Waterproof, ankle-high, with a sturdy grip.

• Rain Gear: Separate raincoat and pants or a waterproof riding suit.

• Other Essentials: Balaclava, sunglasses, and thermal layers for warmth.

Q. Which vehicle do you provide for your luggage carrier?

A. We provide a backup vehicle in which luggage is also being carried vehicle fleet contains SUV’s like Isuzu Dmax/Vcross, Mahindra Bolero/Imperio, Maruti Gypsy.

Q. What is the Inner Line Permit?

A. The Inner Line Permit (ILP) allows Indian and foreign tourists to visit protected areas for a limited duration—3 weeks for Indians and 1 week for foreigners. Foreigners visiting Ladakh also need a Protected Area Permit (PAP).

Q. What original documents do I need to carry with me?

A. Here are the essential original documents you need to carry for a Ladakh bike trip:

1. Driving License: A valid two-wheeler license is mandatory.

2. Photo ID Proof: Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID.

3. Vehicle Documents: (for BYOB)

   • Registration Certificate (RC)

   • Insurance papers

   • Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate

4. Permits: Inner Line Permits (ILP) or Protected Area Permits (PAP) as required.

5. Passport and Visa: For international travelers.

Q. Do I need to carry thermal wear?
A. Yes, carrying thermal wear is highly recommended for a Ladakh bike trip. Temperatures can drop significantly, especially at high-altitude passes and during the nights, even in summer. Thermal wear will help you stay warm and comfortable throughout the journey.

Q. Is there any lack of oxygen during the trip?

A. Yes! You are riding at an altitude of 11,500+ feet above sea level. Sometimes, riders and difficulty in breathing due to low levels of atmospheric oxygen. The biggest cause of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is dehydration. To beat AMS, take the following steps:

• Keep drinking water mixed with Electral/ORS/Glucose
• Don’t push too hard, take it slow
• If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, inform the team. They will help you in taking necessary precautions
•  Avoid smoking and drinking. In case of emergency, team has oxygen cylinders in the back-up vehicle

Q. Does Leh have ATMs?

A. Yes! But many times, some don’t work due to network issues. So, always keep cash handy with you from the start of your trip

Q. Which network is accessible?

A. Postpaid Jio/Airtel/BSNL works good in Ladakh